For years, we’ve been told that chewing gum is good for our teeth. It’s a way to fight cavities and keep our mouths clean, right? Wrong. It turns out that chewing gum can actually be detrimental to our oral health—and using peppermint oil drops or a similar flavored oil is a much better solution. Here’s why.
1. Chewing gum can lead to tooth decay
When you chew gum, you produce more saliva. That might sound like a good thing, but in reality, it can lead to tooth decay. The excess saliva mixes with the bacteria in your mouth, which creates plaque. Plaque then leads to cavities and tooth decay. So while you might think you’re doing your teeth a favor by chewing gum, you’re actually putting them at risk of damage.
2. Chewing gum can cause jaw pain
If you chew gum constantly, you may start to experience jaw pain. That’s because all that chewing can put strain on the muscles in your jaw, leading to pain and discomfort. If you already have TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, chewing gum will only make the problem worse.
3. Chewing gum can make you look like a goofball
Let’s face it—chewing gum makes you look silly. You look like a cow chewing cud or a kid with a piece of bubblegum stuck to your shoe. If you want to avoid looking like a fool, it’s best to ditch the gum and go for something else instead.
Does chewing gum help jawline?
One popular beauty trend that’s been sweeping the internet lately is the idea that chewing gum can help to define your jawline. Unfortunately, there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, chewing gum can actually have the opposite effect by causing facial muscles to balloon outwards in a negative way.
So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your jawline, chewing gum is not the answer. However, there are other options, such as facial exercises and contouring, that may be more effective. So, don’t waste your time chewing gum; explore some other options instead.
What are some traditional chewing gum alternatives?
Xylitol sugar substitute
If you are looking to slowly break the habit of chewing gum and are not quite ready to stop, switching to a less harmful sweetener like xylitol is the way to go. Sugar-free gums containing aspartame are toxic and many studies have shown aspartame to be carcinogenic.
Spry Fresh Natural Xylitol Chewing Gum Dental Defense System
Why we recommend Spry gum as an alternative to regular gum:
- Fresh spearmint flavor from essential oils
- Xylitol sweetener is much better than aspartame or regular sugar for teeth and oral health
- Non-GMO, natural gum product
- Pack of 2 for this one
- Highly rated on Amazon
Using Peppermint or Spearmint Essential Oils Instead
Putting Peppermint essential oil drops on the tongue to feel refreshed is a great alternative to chomping away at a piece of gum. Plus, it has many medicinal and healthy benefits. To learn more about the health benefits of using peppermint instead of gum, read on:
Cliganic USDA Organic Peppermint Essential Oil
What we love about Cliganic peppermint oil:
- Refreshing, cool taste
- USDA organic
- Many benefits
- Nothing artificial
- Non-GMO
- Highly rated on Amazon
Concluding Thoughts
There you have it—three reasons why chewing gum is bad for your health and image. Peppermint oil is a much better solution for keeping your mouth clean and fresh, plus it comes with a host of other health benefits. So ditch the gum and give peppermint oil a try instead. Your teeth and your jaw will thank you for it!
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